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Post by brianbutler on Oct 28, 2022 19:58:03 GMT
I have been running a Shminao MF-TZ30 Mega-range 6 speed freewheel on a Sebring for a little over 600 miles now and it works perfectly, better than either a 14-34 skip tooth or a 14-32 Suntour I have tried. I like the cog selection of 14-16-18-21-24-34, but I think it would be even better with 14-17-20-24-28-34, basically a standard 5-speed plus a bailout 34.
Here is the listing on US Amazon:
or
These appear to be the same item. Both are stamped Shimano-China but come in a box branded Meghna, even when you buy the Zukka item.
Either way, this model (MF-TZ30) has a bronze colored 34 tooth cog and a black plastic spoke guard that is easily removed by holding the guard and rotating the freewheel counterclockwise until it clicks off. Then the freewheel looks like it belongs on a vintage bike. I might buy a couple more of these in case they stop making them or move the black paint and white logos to the big cog.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Oct 28, 2022 20:06:30 GMT
In fact, the Shimano website shows this uglified version of the MF-TZ30 6 speed, which I had seen in the past and deemed unusable due to aesthetics.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Oct 28, 2022 21:43:58 GMT
Have any of you tried one of these? Only a 14-32 but they do look more traditional; I have no idea of the quality. Compared to Shimano, I think Sunrace has a better looking 6 speed freewheel, but not in 14-34.
Cheers Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Oct 29, 2022 1:20:02 GMT
Have any of you tried one of these? Only a 14-32 but they do look more traditional; I have no idea of the quality. Compared to Shimano, I think Sunrace has a better looking 6 speed freewheel, but not in 14-34.
Cheers Jim
That does look good. I like the drilled 32 cog. I ordered one to check it out. It would be good to have another source. I have used Sunrace 5 speed freewheels in the past. They worked pretty well but at least one failed early. It was before I started taking freewheels apart so I don't know what was wrong with it. I seem to remember the whole thing being wobbly and loose so maybe it was just the lockring coming loose.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Oct 29, 2022 4:22:04 GMT
I ordered one as well. I suppose I will soon know if it is any good.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by lighthousejim on Oct 29, 2022 21:22:25 GMT
I've been running a 13-32 IRD Cyclone (https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/freewheels/1324-ird-cyclone-5-speed-freewheel-shimano-compatible/) on my Claud Butler. I swapped out the 24T for a 26T which means it's not such a jump from one to the other. 26T also means I can hang on for longer before having to drop onto the 32.
Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Oct 31, 2022 16:26:20 GMT
Have any of you tried one of these? Only a 14-32 but they do look more traditional; I have no idea of the quality. Compared to Shimano, I think Sunrace has a better looking 6 speed freewheel, but not in 14-34.
Cheers Jim
That does look good. I like the drilled 32 cog. I ordered one to check it out. It would be good to have another source. I have used Sunrace 5 speed freewheels in the past. They worked pretty well but at least one failed early. It was before I started taking freewheels apart so I don't know what was wrong with it. I seem to remember the whole thing being wobbly and loose so maybe it was just the lockring coming loose.
Brian
I received the Epoch 14-32 chrome freewheel with the drilled large cog. It will look great on my Viscount Gran Sports because that bike has a chain set with drilled chain rings. The Epoch will replace the existing 14-32 Suntour freewheel, at least for testing purposes. I need to take that bike apart to fix some chain line and FD clearance problems anyway, so it is a good opportunity.
I noticed the Epoch has pronounced old school click when freewheeling. I might take it apart and find out why it differs in that regard from the Shimano. I suspect it is either heavier pawl springs or a more abrupt trailing edge on the pawl itself.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Oct 31, 2022 21:50:36 GMT
Mine came today and it looks very good. I will weigh it to see how it compares. I like the nice solid click.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 1, 2022 0:00:58 GMT
I checked the weight. An original (made in Japan) Shimano 600 with the same (14-28) cogs, weighed 430.5 grams. The Epoch weighed 440.6; not a significant difference. I think we found a good one.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Nov 1, 2022 0:40:46 GMT
I checked the weight. An original (made in Japan) Shimano 600 with the same (14-28) cogs, weighed 430.5 grams. The Epoch weighed 440.6; not a significant difference. I think we found a good one. Cheers Jim Did you get a 14-28 or 14-32 Epoch?
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Nov 1, 2022 1:02:17 GMT
My Epoch 14-32 is also 441g. The Shimano MF-TZ30 14-34 is 431g. Not enough difference to matter. I'm interested to see how they compare in use. That will take a while, especially now that winter is fast approaching.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 1, 2022 4:30:19 GMT
I checked the weight. An original (made in Japan) Shimano 600 with the same (14-28) cogs, weighed 430.5 grams. The Epoch weighed 440.6; not a significant difference. I think we found a good one. Cheers Jim Did you get a 14-28 or 14-32 Epoch?
Brian
Oops, it is a 14-32 and the Shimano is a 14-28. The freewheel is made in Taiwan by DNP Bicycle Gears I prefer that to Chinese made. They have many references to ebike usage. Ebikes have a lot of torque; perhaps the freewheel mechanism is beefed up a bit, perhaps not.
Ride Happy Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Nov 1, 2022 11:03:26 GMT
Are you saying the Epoch you received was made in Taiwan? If so, they have multiple sources because the box mine came in is marked "Made in China."
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 1, 2022 13:44:05 GMT
Are you saying the Epoch you received was made in Taiwan? If so, they have multiple sources because the box mine came in is marked "Made in China." Brian Just going by their web page which states. " About DNPDNP Inc. was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 1971 by C.E.O. Fu-Xiong, Chen, who devoted himself on producing good quality bicycle derailleur system and freewheel sprockets. The production lines had grown to more variety of functions which was grouped in three major brand names as DNP, EPOCH and MOTION. The company product has been wide spread into over seventy countries over the world. The company has gained its reputation from long term loyalty customers with their recognitions of the stability, persistency of product quality and the spirit of pursuing perfections." sic
Looking extra close, I see a faded stamp on the box saying made in China, disappointing, hard to imagine, especially considering the politics.
Cheers Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Nov 1, 2022 14:59:15 GMT
Thank you purchase high quality gear unit.
Brian
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Post by dracco on Nov 7, 2022 13:01:12 GMT
I run an IRD Classica freewheel on my Aerospace Pro - also from SJS. At the time that I bought one of these, the following information was provided on the SJS website:
“IRD have discovered many of you with older bikes not wanting to upgrade to cassettes, but are finding that a quality freewheel almost impossible to find. That's because all the big Asian manufacturers are only churning out freewheels for department store bikes. IRD made these purposely nice enough to put on a vintage Cinelli road bike, but affordable enough to use as a replacement on cheaper bikes with. The Classica takes design cues from the reliable Shimano 600 series.
- Index shifting waves and special teeth profiles
- Fully chrome-plated cogs
- Heat-treated for durability
- Alloy and polycarbonate glass fiber spacers
- Alloy and polycarbonate glass fiber spacers
- Double row precision bearings
- Labyrinth seals
- Stronger pawl springs than on the Defiant series
- Available in 5, 6 and 7 speeds
6 Speed Teeth Ratios:
- 13-24T = 13 / 15 / 17 / 19 / 21 / 24
- 13-32T = 13 / 15 / 18 / 21 / 24 / 32
- 14-32T = 14 / 17 / 20 / 24 / 28 / 32
- 14-34T = 14 / 16 / 20 / 24 / 28 / 34
Requires a Shimano type splined freewheel removal tool. (Shimano's own is SJSC part #870)”
I have the 14-32T version which gives me a very good range of gears, coupled with a 50/36 double chainset.
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Post by triitout on Nov 7, 2022 13:44:41 GMT
Draco, great find but I think IRD has changed their cogs. I found only cogs with a small gear of 13 and no 14's in either 6 or 7 speed. I would love something to replicate my 14-17-20-24-28 five speed with a bailout 32. What I found was IRD has a seven speed 13-15-17-21-24-28-32. I just don't use anything less than my 17 cog so in essence the seven speed gives me a nice 5 speed 17-32, What I've read is 7 speed freewheels should work with 126mm spacing. Has anyone tried a seven speed freewheel? Does a narrower chain work with the porthole crank? Inquiring minds want to know! www.interlocracing.com/shop/ird-freewheel-cyclone-mark-1-7sp-4672#attr=670 |
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Post by brianbutler on Nov 7, 2022 17:35:09 GMT
Draco, great find but I think IRD has changed their cogs. I found only cogs with a small gear of 13 and no 14's in either 6 or 7 speed. I would love something to replicate my 14-17-20-24-28 five speed with a bailout 32. What I found was IRD has a seven speed 13-15-17-21-24-28-32. I just don't use anything less than my 17 cog so in essence the seven speed gives me a nice 5 speed 17-32, What I've read is 7 speed freewheels should work with 126mm spacing. Has anyone tried a seven speed freewheel? Does a narrower chain work with the porthole crank? Inquiring minds want to know! www.interlocracing.com/shop/ird-freewheel-cyclone-mark-1-7sp-4672#attr=670Any 5/6/7/8 speed chain like the KMC Z8.1 will work on the porthole chain ring.
Brian
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Post by brianbutler on Nov 7, 2022 17:45:10 GMT
Draco, great find but I think IRD has changed their cogs. I found only cogs with a small gear of 13 and no 14's in either 6 or 7 speed. I would love something to replicate my 14-17-20-24-28 five speed with a bailout 32. What I found was IRD has a seven speed 13-15-17-21-24-28-32. I just don't use anything less than my 17 cog so in essence the seven speed gives me a nice 5 speed 17-32, What I've read is 7 speed freewheels should work with 126mm spacing. Has anyone tried a seven speed freewheel? Does a narrower chain work with the porthole crank? Inquiring minds want to know! www.interlocracing.com/shop/ird-freewheel-cyclone-mark-1-7sp-4672#attr=670Any 5/6/7/8 speed chain like the KMC Z8.1 will work on the porthole chain ring.
Brian
I am also interested in the 7-speed freewheel between 126mm dropouts question. I have a new 7-speed Shimano freewheel and compared it with a new 6-speed Shimano freewheel, It was wider by exactly one cog, which led me to think the 7-speed would need 130mm spacing. There is something called "ultra" spacing that allows a 6-speed in 120mm and a 7-speed in 126mm. I should actually just try to fit the 7-speed but armchair speculation is easier.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Nov 8, 2022 1:53:56 GMT
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